Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

Another quarter has come and gone. When we started off together it was warm and sunny and now there is no doubt winter is here!  I hope you can say that you learned something from this class. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and I wish you much success in your future.

For our last blog post, I would like to get your thoughts and feedback on the class. "What did you like or dislike about the class? What could I do better as an instructor?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, December 11th, 2011. After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter. To all of you out there, may you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season filled love. Have a safe and happy 2011 - and remember, don't drink and drive!

The Best Part Abount Censorship is @*!

Last week in class, we discussed freedom of speech and what kinds of expression are not protected under the Constitution, including obscenity and pornography.  Since you should all be working on preparing the visuals for your final project, I thought this would be a good time to discuss censorship.

Did you know that the school often regulates or censors what types of student work can be displayed in the hallways?  In the past, I’ve been told not to display student projects that reference drugs or sex and/or have graphic images. Some would say that the school has an interest in protecting their image.  Parents and prospective students tour the hallways and it’s important not to offend anyone.  Still others would say that the school is practicing a form of censorship.  Political art makes a statement and pushes the boundaries of what is appropriate. How can a school that promotes creative and artistic license, censor student work?

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think the school has a right to censor student work that is being displayed in the hallways?  Why or why not?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, December 4^th, 2011.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Now, I have made it clear in class that Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I don't like the way schools fictionalize a story that sounds good, while ignoring the sad facts about how we really treated Native Americans in this country. That being said, I have learned to treat Thanksgiving as a reminder of all the things I am thankful for.

This year, as always, I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I am also thankful that I have two jobs in an economy where people often can't find one. I have been blessed this year in buying my first home and I am thankful that I have the means to do so.  This year, I will host Christmas for the first time and I'm excited to create new memories in my own home.

So, in honor of the holiday my question to you this week will be an easy one. "What are you thankful for this holiday season?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 27th, 2011.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday full of good food, good friends and good conversation! Enjoy your break!

The Next Great Indy Artist

Do you know what an impact your creativity could have on your community? I planned to blog this week about what seems to be a rise in crime in Indianapolis. As I was doing my research, I found one crime prevention method that seems to be working in several cities around the country: public art.

My first thought was of the electronic dancing people I’ve seen downtown. My second thought was, “How does public art relate to crime prevention”? Further research revealed what I should’ve already known. Public art gives young people something to do other than hang out in the streets. It can make neighborhoods nicer, increase property values, and attract new business, which brings new jobs. People that live in nice neighborhoods, are employed, and have enough money to raise a family are far less likely to commit crimes.

According to the Arts Council of Indianapolis, public art can take a variety of forms. Historically, art that is accessible to the public has been in the form of freestanding pieces of work or objects that occupy a public space, such as sculptures and memorials. Now, in a growing number of cities functional objects such as benches, trails, bridges and manhole covers can become commissioned works by artists.

Now those of you who know me, know that I am a big believer in giving back. Whether it’s volunteering someplace, helping someone in need, or contributing something to the community, my motto has always been to try and leave the world better than I found it. So in that same spirit, my question to you this week is “What kind of public art would you create in Indianapolis if money for the project was no object? Where would it be located and what would its message be?" Think about it! Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 20th, 2011.

I Vote! I Count!

Over the weekend, President Clinton called me.  Yes, that’s right, President Clinton called me! Sure it was an automated robocall encouraging me to vote for Melina Kennedy for Indianapolis mayor, but I was excited all the same.  I was way less excited to go to my mailbox Saturday afternoon and find no less than 8 different advertisements all related to the race for mayor.  The advertisements went straight into the trash, and it seemed a big waste of money and environmental resources.

The Indianapolis mayor’s race has been the most expensive in history, with both candidates combined fundraising totals over $8 million. Voters in Indianapolis have been overwhelmed with attack ads, as we hit the final stretch for candidates to get their message out before tomorrow’s general election.

So, in light of tomorrow’s election, my question to you this week is, “Do you plan to vote in Tuesday’s election?  Why or why not?  Do you think “attack ads” work, or do they just turn people off from voting?”  You must answer all parts of the question to earn full credit.  Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 13^th, 2011.  By the way, if you need information on where you should go to vote, please go here: http://www.indianavoters.com  If you haven’t registered yet, it’s too late to vote in tomorrow’s election, but take a few minutes and register today!  It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be all set for next year’s Presidential race.

The Bloody Birth of a New Libya

Last week, Muammar Gaddafi, the long-time dictator of Libya was killed. For those of you who don’t know, Gaddafi took over power in Libya after a bloodless coup in 1969. Gaddafi has always had an erratic relationship with the rest of the world. After the 1988 bombing of a Pam Am jet, which killed 270 people, Gaddafi became an enemy of the United States. In 2011, inspired by uprisings in other Arab countries, protesters began calling for his resignation and seeking to overthrow him. On October 20^th, protesters succeeded in overthrowing his regime, and capturing Gaddafi, who later died of his wounds.

When I saw the news about Gaddafi, I was shocked to see images of his bloodied body being drug through the streets. The images, which were first broadcast by the Arab news station Al-Jazeera, were then picked up by the major American networks. You can check out some of the news footage here, but be warned that viewer discretion is advised. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7385364n

Recently, I heard President Obama on the Tonight Show discuss why he decided to not release pictures of Osama Bin Laden’s body. He said in part, “You know, I think that there's a certain decorum with which you treat the dead even if it's somebody who has done terrible things." It made me think about the photographs of the people jumping out of the World Trade Center, and the people lying dead in the street in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. When is a photo good journalism, and when is it going too far?

This week in class, we will discuss the media, why they’re sometimes called the 4^th branch of government, and how a photograph can alter our perception of events.  So my question you this week is, “Do you think it is appropriate to show these kind of images when reporting the news? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 6^th, 2011.

Trick or Treat!

Some of you know that I'm a BIG Halloween fan.  It's in my top three favorite holidays, along with New Years Eve and 4th of July.  When you are a child, nothing beats running around the neighborhood in the dark getting bucketfuls of candy.  Ahhh....I miss those days.

So this week, in honor of Halloween, I'll go easy on you.  My questions to you this week is, "What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?  What are your plans this year for Halloween?"  My favorite Halloween costume was the year I went as a Jack-In-The-Box.  I remember I was really excited because my mom braided my hair in two pigtails and then dipped them in cornstarch, so they stuck straight out.  I begged to wear my hair like that to school for weeks afterward!  This year, I'm excited to pass out candy for the first time in my new home. 

Your answers are due no later than Sunday, October 30th, 2011.  Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Your Next President Could Be A Mormon

Recently the Mormon Church started an advertising campaign in nine U.S. markets, including Indianapolis. The advertisements, which include television, radio and billboards feature Mormons talking about their lives and faith. The ads are schedule to run into February, and are designed to show that Mormons are everyday people leading everyday lives. Although the Mormon Church officially supports no presidential candidate, many feel these ads have come at just the right time as there are currently two candidates of the Mormon faith running for President, Mitt Romney and Governor Jon Huntsman.


There has been a lot of controversy over a Mormon running for President. Last week, pastor Robert Jefferies called Romney’s faith a “cult”. Romney has also endured repeated questioning in interviews about his faith and his personal beliefs. Shows like Sister Wives, and reports of raids on polygamist compounds leave many Americans buying in to the stereotype and feeling that Mormons are just plain weird. It begs the question, “Is America ready for a Mormon President?”

Now I make no secret of my Christian faith. That being said, I strongly believe in the separation of church and state. I also have Mormon family members. They don’t have multiple wives, live in Utah or wear homemade clothes. My cousins all went to public school, listen to music, watch movies and wear the latest fashions. In fact, if not for the fact they abstain from caffeine, I would forget they were Mormon at all.

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think America is ready for a Mormon President? Do you think a candidate’s religion should be discussed when running for public office?” Answers are due no later than Monday, October 24th, 2011.

Celebrating National Coming Out Day - Part 2

This week, we started a discussion of same sex marriage in class.  It happened to coincide with National Coming Out Day which is October 11^th.  National Coming Out Day, which began in 1987 promotes a safe world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly.  You can read about the controversy that happened here in Indianapolis last year on National Coming Out Day and what your fellow students had to say about it here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2010/10/celebrating-national-coming-out-day.html

This year, in honor of National Coming Out Day and in support of a more tolerant America, I decided to blog about the rise of bullying due to sexual orientation.  In a previous class, we discussed the issue of cyber-bullying.  You can read my thoughts and the student comments here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2010/09/cyber-age-of-bullying.html  

The first time I remember hearing about this issue was in 1998, when Matthew Shepherd was targeted, tortured and murdered because of his sexual orientation.  I’m sure other hate crimes such as this had happened prior to this event, but it was Matthew’s murder that sticks in my mind most.  Tomorrow marks the 13^th anniversary of Matthew Shepherd’s death. Today, hate crimes and bullying based on sexual orientation remain on the rise.  Consider the following:

• According to the Gay Lesbian Straight Educator’s Network, students hear anti-gay epithets over 25 times a day and teachers fail to respond 97% of the time
• According to the Task Force on Youth Suicide, gay youth are 3 times more likely than straight youths to commit suicide.  In fact, 30% of all youth suicides have been linked to issues the youth faced concerning their sexual identity
• The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force reports 28% of gay students drop out of high school
• In a survey done by the National School Climate Task Force, 64% of gay students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think can be done to prevent bullying or hate crimes against homosexuals?  How should students, parents and the community raise awareness of this issue?  Be specific!”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, October 16^th, 2011.

Are You Proud To Be American?

This week we started our study of the Constitution and the freedoms that make us uniquely American. You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm

There are things about America that I don't like; paying taxes (even though I know they're neccessary), crooked politicians and corporate greed. However, despite those things, I am still proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a diverse country where we can participate in our own political process. I am proud that we have the freedom to practice our own religion and speak our mind. Each quarter as we review the Constitution, I am reminded of all the freedoms that we have which I tend to take for granted.

So my question to you this week is, "Are you proud to be American? If so, why - what do you like about America? If no, why not - what are things you wish America would change?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, October 9th, 2011. P.S. So, three quarters ago, the students helped me create a really cool blog template that had a patriotic theme. Somehow, last quarter, I lost all the graphics and had to go back to this generic template. If any of you have any suggestions or know of any links where I can find a better

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

When we started out together it was hot and muggy and now fall is finally here!  Yea! It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you this quarter and I wish you well in your future endeavors. For our last blog post, I would like to get your thoughts and feedback on the class. "What did you like or dislike about the class? What could I do to make it better?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, September 20th, 2011. After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter.

Even though it's a short break, I hope you find time to relax and get some needed rest. I hope you all continue to follow the blog, and post comments whenever you like. For those of you who are graduating - congratulations! All you hard work finally paid off!

United We Stand

It’s hard to believe that the September 11^th attacks were ten years ago this week.  Like most of you, I remember exactly where I was that September morning.  Eleven days earlier I had graduated from Indiana University and moved to Indianapolis.  I was excited and hopeful about starting what I liked to call my “real life”.  That morning, I slept in and missed both planes hitting the World Trade Center.  By the time I saw the first images of people running down the street from a big cloud of dust and debris – I could scarcely comprehend what was happening.

It’s easy to look back now at the decisions we have made since as a country and find fault.  My “real life” turned out to be full of more heartache, war and an economy that never quite recovered.  I suppose like everyone else, my life changed a little that day.  America changed a little that day.

I will never forget the feelings I felt as I watched our country under attack.  I was sad, I was angry, I was horrified, but most of all, I was proud to be American.  I don’t say that often, but it’s true.  I have never felt so connected to my fellow citizens as I did on that day.  That is what I remember as I think about how to best memorialize the 10^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks – our unity.  Police and recue workers from around the country left their families and went to New York to help in the recue and recovery efforts.  Blood donations soared and all around the nation, people were helping people. Something good came out of something so bad – even if it only lasted a short while.

So this week, in honor of the September 11^th victims, I will be focusing on the good, not the bad.  I will do my part to bring back that feeling of unity that I had on September 11^th.  It may be just a small random act of kindness to a stranger. It may be spending time with people I love, or giving back to my community.  I may just be one person, but it’s a start. So my question to you this week is, “Where were you during the September 11^th attacks?  Do you plan to do anything special to memorialize the tenth anniversary?”  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, September 13^th, 2011.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of September 11^th, and our country’s servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much – thank you!

Rest, Relax and Have Fun!

I’ve been looking forward to the three-day weekend coming up for a long time. I get a “free” day off of work, football season starts and summer ends – which hopefully means and end to the debilitating heat. We always get together as a family and have one last summer cookout. I’ll admit, I’ve never given any real thought to why we have Labor Day until this week.

Labor Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It was first celebrated locally in New York City in 1882. In 1884, President Grover Cleveland supported making it a national holiday and Congress unanimously signed it into law. By the end of the 20th century, all fifty states had also made it a state holiday. According to the Department of Labor, the holiday is “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of U.S. workers”. It is a tribute to the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country”.

So, in honor of the holiday, my question to you this week will be an easy one. “Did you know anything about the origins of Labor Day? How do you plan to celebrate your three-day weekend?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, September 6th, 2011. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Do We Really Support Our Troops

This week, I have decided to post something I posted just a little over year ago on the blog.  I know we have a few students in class who have served in the military, and I'm interested in hearing your point of view. Last year, I was watching an old episode of Boston Legal. My favorite character Alan Shore, played by James Spader, mentioned during a closing argument that in 2009, over 6,000 veterans committed suicide. That seemed like a pretty shocking statistic to me, so I decided to investigate further and what I found was appalling.

In December 2007, a Veteran Affairs (VA) internal memo written by the VA Mental Health Director said that there were 12,000 veterans attempting suicide every year. In addition, there were roughly 18 suicides per day, well over 6,000 per year, and these numbers don’t include servicemen and women on active duty. It seems the writers of Boston Legal got it right this time. The suicide rates are highest among male veterans of our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which means for the most part, we are talking about young men in their twenties. Young men who should have their whole lives ahead of them, but for some reason feel suicide is their only option.

The Chief Clinical Psychologist for the Army Reserve and National Guard cites multiple and extended deployments as the cause. Many veterans return home suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries and/or depression. In many cases the VA has delayed or denied disability and medical claims from veterans because they are unable to prove that these conditions are “service-related”. When I read that, I literally felt sick.

Now I admit I’m not a big fan of our current wars. In fact, I’m not a big fan of war in general. That being said, I respect and honor those individuals who are willing to sacrifice their lives for our safety. I can’t believe that we are asking them to sacrifice so much, only to return to so little. So my question to you this week is, “What should be done to ensure veterans receive proper follow-up care when they return home? What can you personally do to support an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, August 30th, 2011.

Tragedy At The State Fair

Normally when I think of the Indiana State Fair I think of games, good music and tons of fried food.  Okay, let’s be honest – mostly I think about the food! This year however, the Indiana State Fair will be remembered for something far more somber.  By now, you have probably all heard of the tragedy that struck at the fair Saturday night when the stage collapsed on a crowd of concert-goers, killing five people and injuring close to fifty others.

The winds on Saturday night have been estimated at 60-70 mph.  Officials at the Symphony on the Prairie concert that same night made the decision to cancel the concert and evacuate people because of the oncoming threat of severe weather.  At the state fair, the band Sugarland delayed coming onto the stage until the threat had passed.  It was a decision that probably saved their lives. Now many are left wondering why fans at the state fair weren’t evacuated as the storm moved in.

Others have raised questions about the safety of the stage structure.  State fair officials haven’t said if the stage and rigging were inspected before Saturday’s show.  The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said no one from their department inspected the stage, nor did any state fire marshals conduct any inspections.  City officials said they legally can’t conduct inspections on state property.  It will be months before the investigation is complete and people start getting answers. 

So my question to you this week is “Do you think people should’ve been evacuated Saturday night?  Could something have been done to prevent this tragedy?  Should someone be held responsible, or was it just a freak accident?”  Answers are due no later than, Tuesday, August 23rd, 2001.  To those of you who were at the fair Saturday night, or who know someone affected by this tragedy – my heart and prayers go out to you.

Abu Grahib Revisted

Over the weekend, I heard that Charles Graner, the convicted ringleader of the Abu Grahib prisoner abuse scandal was released from prison. This week, we are going to discuss the mutually exploitative relationship between the media and the government, so I thought this post would fit right in.

You may remember back in 2006, when Charles Graner and six other members of the 372^nd Military Police Company were charged with abusing detainees of the Abu Grahib prison in Iraq.  Photos were released publicly that showed the detainees naked, leashed, and blindfolded in a variety of uncomfortable positions.  You can see the picture here, but viewer discretion is advised: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Abu_Ghraib_prisoner_abuse

Charles Graner was convicted of stacking naked prisoners into a pyramid, knocking one prisoner unconscious and ordering prisoners to masturbate while being filmed.  His defense was that he was ordered by military intelligence to “soften up” the prisoners for interrogation.  He served 6 ½ years of a 10 year sentence, and will remain on supervised probation until the end of 2014.

Many around the world saw these photos as evidence that the United States was using “torture” as a way to get information and intelligence.  Others thought these harsh interrogations techniques were worth it, if the information gained would save lives.  So my question to you this week is, “Do you consider these interrogation techniques torture, or do you feel they are appropriate if needed to keep American safe?”  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, August 16^th, 2011.

Returned For Non-Sufficient Funds

On Tuesday, the United States barely prevented defaulting on its $14.3 trillion debt, by a last minute bill passed just hours before the Treasury’s authority to borrow funds ran out.  I found all the news reports slightly confusing, and I had a hard time getting my mind around what exactly was happening.  All I knew was that it sounded bad….very bad.

To put it all in layman’s terms, the federal government must borrow about .40 for every $1.00 it spends.  If the Treasury would have lost its authority to borrow money, the United States wouldn’t have been able to pay all of its bills.  That means social security, disability, veteran’s benefits and federal paychecks could have been suspended, interest rates could’ve risen making it more expensive to obtain a mortgage or student financial aid, and the stock prices could’ve been pushed down, causing Americans to lose more money in their retirement plans.

In a last minute compromise, Congress raised the debt ceiling by up to $2.4 trillion, which would be enough to get through the next election cycle.  Simultaneously, they created a committee to develop specific debt reduction measures – slashing $900 billion from federal agency budgets over the next ten years.  President Obama has said that while both defense and non-defense program budgets will be cut, social security, Medicare and programs for low-income individuals will be spared.  You can see more of what President Obama had to say about the plan here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

The committee will have to make some hard choices about which programs to cut funding from, which leads me to my question for this week, “If you were forced to cut funding from a federal program – what would you cut?  How would you justify your cuts to the American people?”  If you don’t know – do some research!  A quick search will show you what the federal government spends money on now. Answers are due no later than Tuesday, August 9^th, 2011.

Is What You See, What You Get?

Everyday we are bombarded with advertisements and commercials in which the models look absolutely perfect.  In a world full of digital imaging, retouching and airbrushing, it can be hard to tell what’s real and what’s fake.  I plan to blog about the effect this distorted imaging can have on young girls at a later date.  For this blog post, I’d like to focus on what, if anything, the government should do to regulate these ads.

Recently, the British Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) began cracking down on companies that heavily airbrush or retouch their photos.  Cosmetic company L’Oreal recently had several of their advertisements pulled in the United Kingdom for making claims about their products that they couldn’t support with factual evidence.  Member of Parliament, Jo Swinson, stated that the photos used in the ads were, “not representative of the results the products could achieve”.  You can check out the advertisements in question here: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/loreal-ads-of-julia-roberts-and-christy-turlington-banned-for-airbrushing-2516498/

In the United States, commercial speech is not protected under the Constitutional freedom of free speech.  The government can regulate advertisements that are false or misleading.  That being said, many companies retouch their photos before publication and it’s not usually consider it false advertising.

So my question to you this week is, “Do you believe these advertisements crossed the line?  Are all retouched ads misleading?  Do you think the United States should do more to crackdown on the companies that publish these advertisements?”  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, August 2^nd, 2011.

The Devil Called.....He Wants His Weather Back!

This week I’ve discovered that hot weather makes people cranky, myself included.  The air conditioner doesn’t work in my car, and I’ve become another person when driving home in rush hour traffic.  This new person is sweaty, impatient and full of rage.  I’m hoping it cools off soon before an incident occurs.

That being said, other than when I’m driving, I’ve been blessed.  I work indoors, in a cool office and go home to a nice cool house.  The community center where I work has been designated one of the eight “cooling centers” in the city.  This means we’re staying open late this week and offering a cool place to hang out to the thousands of Indianapolis residents that have no other place to go to get out of the heat.

I saw on the news over the weekend that city officials were meeting to determine a course of action for the heat wave.  I had never realized how much political decision-making plays a role in weather preparations.  Who is responsible for what?  Should IndyGo offer free bus rides to individuals so they don’t have to walk?  Should IPL suspend disconnection notices so citizens can continue to use their air conditioner?  Should the city of Indianapolis make sure residents have a safe and cool place to go?

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think the city should be responsible for when it comes to public health and safety during weather events such as this?  Should individuals be responsible for themselves, or do public officials have a responsibility to help?  What suggestions do you have to ensure everyone’s health and safety?”  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, July 27^th, 2011.

Are You Proud To Be An American?

This week we started our study of the Constitution and the freedoms that make us uniquely American. You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm

There are things about America that I don't like; paying taxes (even though I know they're neccessary), crooked politicians and corporate greed. However, despite those things, I am still proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a diverse country where we can participate in our own political process. I am proud that we have the freedom to practice our own religion and speak our mind. Each quarter as we review the Constitution, I am reminded of all the freedoms that we have which I tend to take for granted.

So my question to you this week is, "Are you proud to be American? If so, why? If no, why not?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, July 20th, 2011. P.S. So, two quarters ago, the students helped me create a really cool blog template that had a patriotic theme.  Somehow, last quarter, I lost all the graphics and had to go back to this generic template.  If any of you have any suggestions or know of any links where I can find a better template let me know!

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

Well, summer is finally here!  It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you this quarter and I wish you well in your future endeavors.  For our last blog post, I would like to get your thoughts and feedback on the class.  "What did you like or dislike about the class?  What could I do to make it better?"  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, June 14th, 2011.  After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter.

Have a wonderful summer break filled with sunshine, good conversation and hopefully some rest and relaxation. I hope you all continue to follow the blog, and post comments whenever you like.  For those of you who are graduating - congratulations!  All you hard work finally paid off!

There's No Place Like Home

I would be remiss this quarter, if I did not devote a portion of the blog to the devastating spring weather most of the country has been experiencing. The flooding of the Mississippi River in April and May was the largest and most damaging flood recorded in U.S. history. Many people, including some of your fellow classmates lost their possessions and even their homes as they rushed to stop the water from flooding their communities. As of June 1st, there have been 1,415 tornadoes, resulting in 520 deaths throughout the country. 2011 has been the deadliest year for tornadoes since 1950. The Midwest, South and Great Plaines states have been the hardest hit, with Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina and Missouri all reporting deaths, and many more states, including Indiana reporting injuries from these deadly storms. To donate to the relief effort, or see how you can help, please go to:  http://www.redcross.com/


A few weeks ago, we watched the movie The Inconvenient Truth in class and discussed whether or not global warming was actually occurring. Since I was out of town that week, I would love to hear your thoughts. So my question to you this week is “Do you think global warming is a cause of these deadly weather patterns, and if so, are humans contributing to it?” Please make sure to explain your answer whether or not you agree or disagree. Answers are due no later than Tuesday, June 7th, 2011.

By the way, here in Indiana it’s easy to get complacent about crazy weather. The sirens go off so much that many times, we tend to just ignore them. This spring has taught me just how deadly these storms can be – and how quickly they can go from bad to worse. It makes me sad to know that people had to lose so much for me to actually pay attention. So, I’m taking a vow. I’m promising to create a “weather kit” including flashlights, batteries, water, first aide and other items I may need in case of severe weather. Even more, I’m promising to start paying more attention to the sirens and actually take cover when they tell me to. A few hours lost by taking cover may just mean a few more lives saved. I hope you will pledge to join me in this endeavor – it’s the very least we can do. To those of you who have lost possessions, homes and loved ones during this storm season, my heart and prayers go out to you.

Come Fly the Friendly Skies!

This week as I was traveling for work, I had my first experience having a full body scan done, courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After all the uproar I had heard about whether or not it should be considered a violation of one’s privacy, the process itself was quite simple. I’m not sure what made them pull me out of line for the body scan while my co-workers went through the regular metal detectors. Regardless, I was happy they did. I was all done in about 10 seconds, while my fellow passengers were stuck waiting in line, and being further delayed by items passengers forgot to remove, invariably setting off the alarms.

As I sat on the bench collecting my stuff and putting my shoes back on, I paid notice to flutter of activity going on all around me. One gentleman, who went through the metal detectors with no problem, was asked to step aside while TSA officials wiped his hands with what I can only assume to be an explosive trace detection swab. He was then asked to wait while they took the swab somewhere else to “analyze” it. An elderly woman who was in a wheelchair was wanded and patted down by security officials and then asked to stand up with assistance from the TSA officials and a cane for the full body scan. I wondered how necessary it was to perform multiple security checks on a physically challenged elderly individual. A mother coming through with a young baby wreaked such havoc on the system you would’ve though Osama bin Laden was coming through the checkpoint himself. We all know of the numerous new security measure TSA has put into place since September 11th, but I was staring to wonder has all that time and money gone to waste? Are we scanning and searching the wrong people?

A recent Washington Post – ABC news poll showed 70% of Americans would support the TSA profiling people and using available information about passengers to determine who gets selected for extra security screening at the airports. Of those 70%, 32% favor taking gender into account, 39% favor taking religion into account, 40% favor taking race into account, 50% favor taking a passenger’s personal appearance into account and 86% favor taking a passengers behavior at the airport into account. Currently, the TSA does have enhanced screening procedures for U.S.-bound travelers, traveling from “state sponsors of terrorism, or other countries of interest” including, Pakistan, Yemen and Nigeria. TSA has yet to admit to any form of profiling passengers on domestic flights as all the September 11th flights were. Critics of profiling say the practice is discriminatory and goes against the American ideal of being judged on the content of your character. 

So my question to you this week is “Do you think the TSA should profile certain people to determine who gets selected for extra security screening? If so, what characteristics should they use? If no, why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 31st, 2011. Happy Memorial Day – enjoy the day off!

Change is A-Comin', Oh Yes!

Last week, I happened to get home early enough to see that Oprah was celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Freedom Ride with an audience full of original activists. Some of you may have never heard of the freedom riders, but rest assured, our world would not exist as we know it today without their courageous actions.

In the spring and summer of 1961, 436 “Freedom Riders”, boarded buses in protest of segregation laws. The group consisted of blacks, whites, males and females, both young and old. Their plan was to buy bus tickets in Washington D.C. bound for New Orleans. Along the way they would test federal laws prohibiting segregation by having African Americans ride in the front of the bus and by sitting in “whites only” waiting rooms. The riders were trained to be nonviolent and prepared to be met with violence. As the first wave of buses crossed the Alabama state line, they were surrounded by a KKK led mob which threatened them with metal pipes, clubs and chains. They slashed the bus tires, set the bus on fire, and blocked the doors in an attempt to kill everyone on board. After the fuel tank exploded, many people ran off as the riders struggled to get fresh air. Many freedom riders were savagely beaten and left for dead. Others were imprisoned and tortured for months.

On September 22, 1961 the Interstate Commerce Commission issued an order that all segregation signs be removed from bus and rail stations in the South. The Freedom Riders had won. You can check out an inspirational video in which the original riders explain why they got on the bus, here: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Freedom-Riders-on-Why-They-Got-on-the-Bus-Video/topic/oprahshow

I knew about the Freedom Riders long before I saw the Oprah show last week. However, watching the show made me realize just how much they had sacrificed for what the cause they believed in. I’m not sure if we have that same kind of willingness to change the world today. So this week, in honor of the Freedom Riders, I’m asking you the same questions Oprah challenged her viewers to answer, “What do you see wrong with the world today? What could you do to help change it?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 24th, 2011. Please note that you have an extra week to post your answer because I will be out of town May 16th – May 19th. I may not have access to email, but I will be available by phone or text if you have any questions. P.S.  I absolutely loved your blog responses from last week.  You made me proud! Keep up the great exchange of information!

P.P.S.  One thing you could do to help change our world it vote!  On a recent quiz, many of you stated that you weren't registered.  You can now register online in just a few easy steps.  Make a difference!  Register today here: https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/PublicMain.aspx

Checkmate: Osama bin Laden Killed

By now, we have all heard the news regarding the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks on the United States. I admit that when I first heard the news, I did feel a sigh of relief. Now I am not naïve enough to think his death represents the end of terrorism. Terrorism comes from hate and ignorance and the death of one man is not going to stop that. Rather, my feeling of relief came more from feeling that our long national nightmare is over. Ever since September 11th, it has seemed like our country has been in one long downslide. From a war that seemed to not have an end in sight, to our economy collapsing, it seemed to me that it all began around the time those planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on that clear September morning.


Once the news had been confirmed by President Obama, Americans began literally celebrating in the streets. Americans flooded Ground Zero and the area surrounding the White House waving signs, American flags and singing the national anthem. I can understand how some people feel this way. Osama bin Laden and his network are responsible for the biggest national tragedy we have ever had on American soil. However, it crossed my mind that celebrating in this way may be the very thing that fuels people like Osama bin Laden in the first place. I flashed back to the pictures of people in the Middle East cheering when the towers fell and how sick that made me feel. It made me wonder just how the rest of the world was viewing us.

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think it is appropriate for Americans to publicly celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden? Do you think it helps or hurts our fight against the war of terror?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 10th 2011. For all the mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day! To all of you who lost loves ones in the September 11th attacks or the war on terror, may you feel a sense of peace and closure. For those of you who have served in the arms forces – thank you!

Planes, Trains and Pink Nail Polish?

Last quarter, I watched a documentary series of transgendered children. The issue became of such interest to me that I blogged about it and your fellow students debated whether or not they thought it was appropriate to raise a child as another gender. You can read through my blog and their comments here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2011/02/when-harry-became-hailey.html


So, a few weeks ago when I saw a J.Crew advertisement getting tons of negative feedback, I knew it would be great follow up on this topic. The advertisement sparking the controversy shows J.Crew designer Jenna Lyon’s painting her young son’s toenails neon pink. While many people saw absolutely no problem with it, others started complaining immediately. You can check out a Today Show video showing the advertisement and people’s comments here:  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#42569002 According to the Media Research Center the ad is “blatant propaganda celebrating transgendered children”. The Culture and Media Institute stated, “One has to wonder what young boys in pink nail polish have to do with selling women’s clothing”.

That really got me thinking. I myself have stated that I would not want to raise my children with the traditional concepts of gender roles. My nursery won’t be pink or blue, my daughter can take out the trash and my son can help with the laundry. That being said, I did wonder, “What does painting your son’s toes pink have to do with selling women’s clothing?” So my question to you this week is two-fold. First, “What do you think of a mom painting her son’s toes pink? Do you think it is important to raise your kids according to society’s traditional gender roles so as not to confuse children?” Second, you are all design students who will need to market your work. So tell me, “Why do you think J.Crew used this photograph to market their clothing?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011. You must answer both questions and designate your class to earn full credit.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

I had a few good topics I wanted to blog about this week. Then I realized we have a holiday weekend coming up, and I decided to go easy on you and post something lighter. Since Easter is this weekend, I thought back to my favorite Easter memory. Easter was a very big deal in our house, almost as big as Christmas. We always got new Easter dresses, went to church and then rushed home to find our Easter eggs and baskets. One of the plastic eggs was golden and bigger than all the rest...whoever found it got the best prize! I loved coloring eggs too (I still do actually) and would think about my designs for hours! So my question to you this week is, "What is your favorite Easter or springtime memory?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 26th, 2011. Don't forget to make sure your name and class are documented. For those of you who celebrate - Happy Easter! For everyone else, enjoy your day off!

P.S. I've noticed lately that some of you just comment that you don't know much about the topic so you can't really comment. That is not acceptable. If you don't know much about it - look it up! I don't expect you to be geniuses on the topic, but if you don't take the time to learn, it kind of defeats the purpose of being in school. :-)

P.P.S. For real, this is the last post-script. For those of you who wish to contact the senator in charge of the 21st Century Scholarship program we discussed in class, you can email Senator Thomas Dermody (or any other Indiana senator) here:  http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl

Mobile Chernobyl - Revisited

Yesterday, Japanese authorities declared the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant a level 7 event on the international scale for nuclear disasters – the highest level, putting it on par with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Officials said the amount of radioactive iodine released so far has been fifteen times the volume needed to be designated a level 7 disaster. According to officials, a level 7 disaster involves a “major release of radioactive material with widespread health and environmental effects”. The disaster in Japan has been one of the worst the world has ever known and my heart and prayers go out to the Japanese people. To donate to the relief effort, click here: http://www.redcross.org/

The Japanese disaster got me thinking about our own nuclear problems right here in America. Did you know that spent nuclear fuel is the by-product of producing electric power at nuclear power plants? Currently the United States has over 70,000 metric tons of nuclear waste stored at 121 sites across the country. This spent fuel waste is both thermally and radioactively hot, and is initially placed in "spent fuel pools" at the nuclear reactor sites to cool down. When the pools and on-site storage are full, the cooled spent fuel must be stored somewhere else. So, what should we do with all this waste?

The Yucca Mountain Repository was approved by Congress as the site to store spent nuclear reactor fuel and other radioactive waste in 2002. Amid much controversy, the funding was terminated in 2010. The nuclear industry is pushing Congress for funding to establish Yucca Mountain as the nation's permanent storage site. If they are successful, 100,000 shipments of high-level radioactive waste will be transported through 43 states. As the "Crossroads of America" much of that waste would be transported through Indiana, which currently has no nuclear reactors. Click here to see a map of the nuclear reactor sites in the United States. http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html

Supporters of the Yucca mountain project say nuclear energy is cheap and clean and the transportation of the nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain will be safe and secure. The waste has to go somewhere and leaving it at the power plants across the country could be a security issue. Opponents of this plan say Yucca Mountain is not geologically stable and that transporting nuclear waste across country will lead to nuclear accidents. So my questions to you this week is, "Do you agree or disagree with the Yucca Mountain Repository as a place to hold our nation's nuclear waste? Would you want these shipments coming through Indiana? Do you think we should continue to use nuclear power? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 19th, 2011.

We the People

This week in class we began our study of the Constitution. The United States Constitution is widely recognized and studied as one of the most democratic documents ever written. Most of the freedoms that make us uniquely American can be found in the United States Constitution.


You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm

So, this week I started thinking about what freedoms I value most. I think the one I am most grateful for is Freedom of Religion. We are very blessed to live in a country where we are free to practice or not practice our religion as we see fit.

So, my question to you for our first blog is, “What freedoms do you value the most? Why are they important to you?” In addition, I would like you to take a short quiz on the Constitution and include your score and results in your answer. Your score on the quiz will not affect your grade. The quiz can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?page=quiz.cfm

Answers are due no later than Tuesday, April 12th. Make sure that your screen name identifies who you are, and that you designate which class you are in to earn full credit!

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

Each quarter my last blog post is always a request to my students asking for their thoughts and feedback about the class.  However, this quarter, I would be remiss if I didn't devote a portion of the blog to the earthquake and tsunami disaster that struck Japan on March 11th, 2011.  The pictures from the news reports have showed utter horror and devastation.  Currently the death toll is 4,000, but officials expect it to rise dramatically once the cleanup effort begins.  The nuclear power plant that was damaged in the explosion is still at imminent risk of a meltdown that would lead to the worst nuclear catastrophe the world has seen since Chernobyl in 1986.  I plan to blog at a later date on the risks on nuclear power.  For now, my thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this disaster.  If you would like to make a donation, please go to http://www.redcross.org/.

On that sad note, I will say it has been a pleasure having you all in class this quarter.  I enjoy hearing your opinions and getting to know you.  I wish all of you much success in the future and hope you stay in touch.  Feel free to continue to check the blog and post whenever you want. For our last blog post, I would like to know "What did you like or dislike about the class?  What could I do to make it better?"  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, March 22, 2010.  After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter.  For all of you who will be graduating shortly - congratulations!  For everyone else - Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Erin Go Bragh!

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised!

Last week, the White House released a report showing the despite having better education than they did decades ago, women still lag behind men on several economic indicators. The number of men and women in the labor force is almost equal, however at all levels of education, women still earn about 75% of what their male counterparts earn for the same work. As an educated women myself, who works two jobs, this makes me angry – and it motivates me to work that much harder.


Artists and designers aren’t immune from it either. According to a report by the National Endowment for the Arts, “women are making enormous progress, but still lag behind their male colleagues economically, especially in fields such as photography, design and architecture. The pay gap tends to be larger for non-performing art occupations, when women earn just 72% of what men earn. To put that into perspective, in 2005 the average income of women artists was $27,000 which was $14,700 less than the average income of men artists!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are 60% more likely then men to earn a bachelor’s degree by the time they are twenty-three. We are more educated and working more than ever before, yet the disparity between pay is still there. So my question to you this week is “Why do you think this gap exists, and what do you think we could do to change it?” Really think about it! Answers are due no later than Tuesday, March 15th, 2011.

One Nation Under God, With Liberty and Justice for All

In a previous quarter I had a student who did their final project on churches that protest at military funerals. Since then, I have been keeping a close eye on the issue as it has developed. Today, the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment protects fundamentalist church members who mount anti-gay protests outside of military funerals, despite the pain they cause.


Matthew Snyder died in Iraq in 2006. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed his funeral in their quest to draw attention to their view that American deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan are God’s punishment for the nation’s tolerance of homosexuality. Holding signs which stated “Thank God for dead soldiers,” “God hates the U.S.A.” and “Thank God for 9/11” protesters picketed his funeral, taking care to obey police orders and stay 1,000 feet off of the property where the funeral was being held. Snyder’s father eventually filed a lawsuit against the church, accusing them of inflicting emotional distress. Forty-eight states agreed with Snyder stating the church members are practicing “psychological terrorism”. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts stated, “Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow – and – as it did here – inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker”.

I have to say, I thought this was a hard case. Personally, I can’t see how someone would intentionally cause a family so much pain, especially a family that has given their son in sacrifice of our country. That being said, I have to agree with the court’s decision. Even though I don’t like it, I’m not for censoring anyone’s speech. That is a slippery slope to start down and once you are on that course, there is no telling what might start getting censored. Free speech protects everyone, not just the speech we agree with. However, my heart goes out to the Snyder’s and all those who have lost loved ones in sacrifice for our country.

So, I’d like to know what you think. “Do you think the Supreme Court got it right, or wrong? Who should decide what speech is acceptable and what is not?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, March 8th, 2011.

When Harry Became Hailey

How early in your life were you aware of your gender identity? Usually, from the moment we are born, we have a gender identity: Girls wear pink, dresses and play with dolls; boys wear blue, pants and play with trucks. For some children though, their gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex.

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch Lisa Ling’s new documentary series “Our America”. This particular episode covered the life of Hailey, a young biological boy born as Harry, who expressed early on in life that “he” was really a “she”. By age three, “Harry” as she was known then had already begun engaging in traditional female behaviors – dressing up as princesses, playing with dolls and drawing self-portraits depicting him as a girl. By kindergarten, “Harry” was already choosing to be called Hailey. The thing I found most amazing about this show was that his parents went along with it. Although at times they were confused, hurt and perhaps even angry, they never stopped loving their son. You can check out a clip from the episode here:  http://www.oprah.com/own-our-america-lisa-ling/Transgender-Child-A-Parents-Difficult-Choice

According to a study recently done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 41% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, 26% have lost a job due to being transgender and 19% have been denied housing. They face wide spread discrimination as youth and adults. Many people don’t even know transgender children exist. To be honest, I had never really given it much though myself, until I saw this show.

I remember my mom always instructing me at a young age to “sit like a little lady”. So it got me thinking, “Do you remember when you first realized your gender identity role? Did your parents do things to encourage you one way or another? What would you do if you found yourself in the position of Hailey’s parents?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, March 1st, 2011.

Ode to Presidents

This week in class we will talk about the Presidency.  This Monday, the nation celebrates George Washington's birthday, commonly known as President's Day. So, in honor of our first President, I decided to blog this week about the men who have served our nation as "Commander in Chief".

Some of our Presidents have had great courage. George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded troops in battle in two of the most important wars in our nation's history. Without their courage, it is hard to say if America as nation would be where it is today.

Some of our Presidents have been great scholars. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which remains a model of democratic thought and is studied in political science classes around the world to this day. Woodrow Wilson was the only President to earn a doctorate degree, which he earned in political science.

Some of our Presidents have been great orators. John Adams was considered the "voice" of the revolution. John Kennedy's inauguration address inspired a new generation of Americans to serve their communities. Ronald Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" and is credited with helping to end the Cold War.

My question to you this week is "Throughout history, who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" My answer is Benjamin Franklin. We all know of Benjamin Franklin's famous lightening rod experiment, but did you know he invented many other things including the Franklin stove, bifocals, batteries and the glass 'armonica'? He also formed our nation's first library and fire departments, and founded the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was a great statesmen, diplomat and politician. He is credited with developing the ideals of the American character. Had he not been so advanced in age, it is possible he would've added 'President' to his long list of accomplishments. So, "Who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011.

P.S.  Okay, okay, most of you didn't seem to like the new changes I made to the blog.  I'm going to try the link Steven sent me - thank you by the way.  Until then, I've changed the font back to black to avoid hurting anyone's eyes. Sigh.

Hell No, We Won't Go!

By now, I’m sure you have seen the news reports on the uprising in Egypt. Activists are protesting poverty, unemployment, government corruption and the rule of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been president since 1981.

On January 25th, millions of protesters defied the military-imposed curfew and demonstrated across the country. Protesters continue to clash with police, and at the time of this writing over 100 are dead with 750 police and 1,500 citizens injured. On February 1st, President Mubarak said he will work to improve the economy and create jobs, and will not seek re-election although he refuses to step down, defying the main demand from the protesters.

Although I never condone violence, I am glad to see people around the world standing up for their rights and letting their voices be heard. So my question to you this week is “Have you ever attended a protest or a rally, and if so, for what cause? If you were going to attend a demonstration, what cause would you be supporting?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 15th, 2011.

P.S. I changed the look of the blog for the first time.  You are all design students, be honest - is it better or worse?

Do Big Things

As I mentioned in last week’s post, the Sate of the Union was on last week.  Each year, the President gives a big speech to a joint session of Congress and the American people to update them on, well…the state of the union.  I hope some of you caught all or part of it, but just in case you missed it, you can access the video link here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2011  

In his speech, President Obama called on Americans to "do big things".  He challenged us to "win the future" by creating jobs through education and innovation.  So for this week's blog post, I would like to know, what was one thing you liked about President Obama's ideas for the future?  What was one thing you didn't like, or thought he didn't speak enough about?"  Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 8th, 2010.

I hope all of you survived the ice storm and enjoyed a couple days off of school.  On a good note, Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, forecasted and early spring today!

Abortion: 38 Years Later

Last Saturday marked the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the highly controversial case which made abortion, in some situations legal. Norma McCorvey, called Jane Roe in court documents to protect her privacy, falsely said she had been raped in an attempt to obtain an abortion for her third pregnancy. At the time, Texas law allowed abortion in the case of rape, however Norma was denied due to lack of evidence and no police report. Norma then gave up her claim of being raped, hired an attorney and sued the state of Texas. Her case eventually wound up on the docket of the Supreme Court, leading to one of the most controversial decisions in American history.

Writing for the majority, Justice Harry Blackmun said that the implied right to privacy in the Constitution is “broad enough to encompass a women’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy”. The court’s decision made abortions legal in the first trimester without restrictions.

In the coming weeks, we will look more in-depth at this case and study how the court came to their decision. Supporters feel that a woman should have the right to choose, have reproductive freedom and maintain right to privacy. Opponents say there is no Constitutional foundation for supporting abortions, that life begins at conception and that there is a moral issue at stake.

Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about abortion. On one hand, my faith makes me think abortion would not be a choice for me. On the other hand, I think it’s easy to say you feel a certain way when you haven’t been in that situation before. I would never want to pass judgment on someone. It’s a tricky situation and one I am grateful that I don’t have to face. So my question to you this week is “Do you favor or oppose the Supreme Court’s decision making abortions within the first trimester legal? Why or why not?” Guys, I want to hear from you too! Abortion is not just a female issue – it takes two to make a child. Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 1st, 2011.

P.S. The State of the Union was on last night! Am I the only one who was excited? Probably, but I hope you watched it all the same…stay tuned for a recap on next week’s blog.

Does America Make Homegrown Terrorists?

By now, we all know of the Arizona shootings that took place on January 8th, 2011, in which a gunman killed six people and wounded thirteen others at an event for Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Representative Giffords survived a single gunshot wound to the head. At the time of this writing, it is reported that she is able to open her eyes, move both of her legs and one of her hands, however she has a long road of recovery ahead. One of her staffers, three retirees, a federal judge and a nine year old girl were all killed. The suspect, Jared Lee Loughner, was taken into federal custody at the scene, after being tackled by onlookers as he struggled to reload.

The attack raise questions about the tone of America’s political discourse. Sarah Palin has received a lot of heat after news outlets reported that she had targeted Gifford’s district using a crosshair image on her website. Representative Giffords had warned Palin that her use of violent imagery would have “consequences”. For her part, Palin issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and stating she does not condone violence and that “acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own”. She went on to say that “journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn.” The term “blood libel” set off another firestorm of controversy with leaders from the Jewish community saying they found the use of the term offensive.

Now I am sure that Sarah Palin never intended for anyone to shoot Representative Giffords or anyone else for that matter. However, there is no denying that America’s political discourse seems to have taken a very nasty tone. It is one thing to disagree with someone and discuss why you disagree, in fact, having open political debate is one of the things that make our country so great but where do you draw the line? Is it acceptable to use violent imagery, threats and derogatory comments about people’s race, religion or gender? On the other side, when you start censoring people, or condemning people for every speech they make you take away the very liberties America stands for.

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think about the state of America’s political discourse? Do you think it’s acceptable for political leaders to say whatever they want about other candidates/ office holders? Should these people be censored in some way and if so, how should we go about it?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, January 24th, 2011.

Like, Comment, Share!

Some of you, who know me, know that I’ve never been much of a technology person. I don’t have a smart phone, I don’t use GPS and I don’t post pictures online. For years, my friends have been encouraging me to set up a Facebook account, and recently I finally took their advice. Now I have all of these “virtual friends” that I feel pressured to keep up with. I know who is where and what they are doing every second of the day. I’m not sure I need to know these little details, but I’m slowly getting more accustomed to checking in with family and friends via Facebook. Sigh.

Although I haven’t seen the movie The Social Network yet, I did read that Time magazine named the creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg their Person of the Year for 2010. The twenty-six year old, created Facebook in 2004 while still a sophomore at Harvard. Today he is worth an estimated $6.9 billion and Facebook has over 550 million users. Every sixty seconds there are over 1.7 million actions performed on Facebook and their membership rate grows at about 700,000 people every day! In fact, 1 out of every 12 people on the planet has a Facebook account. That’s right…the PLANET! This means, according to Time magazine, “In less than seven years, Zuckerberg wired together a twelfth of humanity into a single network”.

That really got me thinking. We now live in a global community, with access to resources that our parents and grandparents could’ve never imagined. The world is literally at our fingertips. So my question to you this week is, “If money were no object, how could you use technology to better your community, school or planet?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, January 18th, 2011.